Low/No Cost Gift Ideas
Posted on December 9, 2008 by Ching under Blog, Life.
Brian told me about one of his coworker’s recent experience while searching for “cassette tapes” at a store. His coworker (who will remain anonymous so as not to embarrass him anymore than he already is) told him that the store employees laughed at him. Of course, the teenage employees probably have no idea what a “cassette tape” is or what it looks like. LOL.
When we were cleaning out the garage over the summer, we had trashed a bunch of my old tapes (I had brought most of them with me when I moved to the US from the Philippines in the early 90s back when CDs first emerged but I wasn’t cool enough or wealthy enough to afford them). Of course, the tapes were thrown in the garbage only after I was ridiculed by Brian not just for owning such primitive audio storage devices but also for my apparent lack of musical taste.
“What did his coworker need cassette tapes for?” I wondered. Brian thought he must be attempting to make a mix tape for someone. I’m like, “Hasn’t he ever heard mix CDs?” The quality is so much better than their analog predecessors.
Anyway, that got me thinking of low/no cost gift ideas. Remember a few years ago (five to be exact), I wrote about the gift of blog and how I had gifted it to Matt and Logan that Christmas? It cost me nothing. Matt actually tried to blog for a year or so before getting bored and giving it up. I wish he would have met his wife Jennifer then, I think she might have put the gift to better use. She is an avid blogger like myself. Then again, I can’t really complain because the gift didn’t cost me a dime.
The ideas that I’m about to share are along those same lines. They shouldn’t cost anything at all. Even if they do, the cost to the gift giver is minimal.
Let’s start with a mix CD since we were just talking about it. This could consist of music that you think the other person would enjoy or maybe music that you enjoy that you would like to share with the recipient. If you are a musician or musically talented in some way, this mix tape could consist of your music. [spoiler alert] Kind of like what Edward made for Bella, which I thought was really romantic. [end spoiler]
Bake cookies and other treats and wrap it in colorful, festive cellophane. If you are not musically talented, but are talented in the kitchen, this would be right up your alley. Actually, you don’t even have to be an expert chef so long as you can work in the kitchen without setting it on fire. Hey, food that tastes good is a bonus. If it’s not quite perfect just remind yourself that it’s the thought that counts. You could always cheat like my coworker/friend Lance does. He enlists the aid of his wife. Her goodies are always delicious.
Brew some beer and share it. Okay, so this one takes some investment. However, you could have all the men on your gift list covered in one shot. Unless, of course, they are allergic to alcohol (like Brian). Check out @chadsmith’s web site BEER Dad for more info. From what I gather, he is an expert at this sort of thing.
Create art. This is ideal for those like me who are no good in the kitchen. Not that I’m artistic or anything, but at least if I give you something that is not edible there is less risk of food poisoning. You could write a poem (or copy your favorite one) on fancy stationery or cardstock. You could draw or paint something and frame it (the dollar store has many inexpensive picture frames that will be suitable for this). Take some photos and create a photobook. The list is endless.
Compile your favorite recipes and create a recipe book. This is perfect because then the recipient can learn how to make your favorite dishes. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and one that you will certainly benefit from for years to come. LOL.
Pass along a book. Speaking of books, this one is a good idea. I’ve always been reluctant to buy books because I never know what to do with them after I’m done reading. We have boxes upon boxes of old books collecting dust. Nowadays I just opt for either borrowing books from the library or reading ebooks. If you are an avid book collector, though, this will give your old books a new purpose. Give your favorite book to a friend so they might also experience the magic for themselves.
Offer your services like babysitting, massage, shoeshine, housecleaning, dog-walking… You get the picture. Create little coupons or certificates for the giftee to redeem at a time of their choosing.
These are just some ideas. There are so many ways to demonstrate thoughtfulness and show that you care without going broke. I will add to this as I think of other ideas. Please feel free to post your own suggestions in the comments section also.
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Replies to "Low/No Cost Gift Ideas"
Jennifer Cannady on December 10, 2008
Hello! Yes, if I had been around back then I would certainly have put that to good use. It actually took a friend to tell me about the original website I created and it was free. I enjoyed it so much, well, I’m still blogging! There have been a few times I thought I lost my bloggings and a few times when I actually did. I’m pretty attached that I make backups regularly now and refuse to give up my thoughts from the past.
I like the baking as gifts. I think that’s a great idea 🙂
Ching on December 10, 2008
Have you tried Blogprinting.com? I publish mine each year so I have a paper/book/hardcopy version of my blogs.
Ching on December 10, 2008
Okay, so it wasn’t quite a year. Matt got bored after six months. LOL!
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